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Country: Chile
Region: Rapel
Sub-Region: Colchagua Valley
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Wine Spectator's #1 Wine of the Year, 2008
Hand-harvested from the 8th of April, in small baskets of 13-15 kg. Coming from non irrigated 60 years old vines. The 2004-2005 season began with a dry winter and a cold, cloudy spring. These conditions explain the delay in the budding and flowering periods, which were nearly two weeks late. Summer was quite normal and dry but during the last two weeks of February temperatures climbed, which had the effect of correcting the delays observed during the early stages of growth. The temperature decreased in March slowing down the ripening process but the month of April was exceptionally hot. Despite this, most of the harvest began later than in 2004, making this 2005 a late vintage.
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"Gorgeous aromas of warm ganache and mocha lead to a rich, velvety palate loaded with currant, fig paste, black licorice, cassis bush and bramble notes. The long, juicy finish has great grip and density, with echoes of graphite, dark fruit and mineral. Should greatly reward cellaring. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2009 through 2019. **WINE OF THE YEAR, 2008**
" -Rated 96, Wine Spectator
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"The 2005 Clos Apalta Limited Release is composed of 42% Carmenere, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. Opaque purple-colored, the nose reveals notes of pain grille, mineral, spice box, and plummy black and blue fruits. This leads to a layered, nearly opulent wine with gobs of savory, spicy black fruits, excellent balance, and superb integration of oak, tannin, and acidity. It will evolve for 4-6 years and be at its best from 2013 to 2025. " -Rated 91, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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"Clos Apalta continues to push the envelope for Chilean icon wines. It’s always been a blend of four or five Bordeaux grapes, and the 2005 is every bit as structured, tight and ripe as any predecessor. There is an intense blanket of new oak that tastes of mint, cinnamon, sawdust and black licorice. When that subsides (maybe in another 12 months), expect racy and complex berry flavors, pinpoint tannins and preserving acidity." -Rated 94, Wine Enthusiast
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"Deep ruby. Ripe and smoky on the nose, offering pungent cherry and dark berry scents, along with licorice and sexy oak spices. Mouthfilling cherry liqueur and dark chocolate flavors are impressively vibrant for such a concentrated wine, taking on brighter red berry qualities on the finish. This refuses to let go of the palate, leaving behind a strong echo of dark berries." -Rated 92, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
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"Since the first vintage in 1997, this blend of old-vine carmenere, merlot, and cabernet has shown an exuberant personality, a direct connection to the warmth of Colchagua Valley. This new vintage builds on that connection with a voluptuous aroma of blackberry, blackcurrant and sweet spices. The texture is as round and ample as an Italian actress from the 1960s, with a similarly seductive charm. Save this for five years. It will age as well as Sophia Loren." -Rated 94, Wine and Spirits Magazine
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